The detail of 'Plastic Classic_Lacquered' chair by Pili Wu for Han Gallery

‘In Asia, the classical Ming-style chair is recognised as a symbol of social status and taste. Conversely, the widespread presence of the moulded plastic stool is overwhelmingly abundant because of its low price; making it another kind of “classic”’, explains the young Taiwanese designer Pili Wu whose striking, crimson red ‘Plastic Classic_Lacquered’ chair found itself the centre of attention at HAN Gallery‘s Ventura Lambrate exhibition. Featuring a characteristic-of-the-Ming-chair loop armrest and back, and a simple stool-like seat and legs, the beech wood chair was created in collaboration with artisan Tian-chang Jian who hand-lacquered the design with 20 layers of natural lacquer, thus creating a unique, ombré effect.

'Plastic Classic_Lacquered' chair by Pili Wu for Han Gallery

More about the chair:

‘By uniting the distinguishing features of the two contrasting icons, namely the loop arm-rest and back of the Ming chair and the seat and legs of the plastic stool, Plastic Classics creates a “classic” hybrid. This chair with two personalities plays between histories and backgrounds, and challenges our perception of value. The limited edition hand lacquered version demonstrates the unique beauty which can only be achieved by this thousand year old technique. It is a collaboration between HAN Gallery and ILIVETOMORROW gallery, Hong Kong, produced in limited edition of 99 pieces. (2 Artist Prototypes, 4 Gallery Proofs, 93 in production).’

The making of 'Plastic Classic_Lacquered' chair

Pili Wu working on his design

Artisan Tian-chang Jian working on the 'Plastic Classic_Lacquered' chair